Underwater field work with divers and coral

Opportunities

Join the Ocean Recoveries Lab

We study resilience from organisms to ecosystems, combining field experiments, quantitative models, and synthesis to inform conservation, restoration, and recovery with partners and managers.

Scientific Fit

Skim a few representative papers to gauge alignment with our questions, systems, and tools:

How to reach out

  1. Attach a CV (or short bio).
  2. Include a short paragraph that covers:
    • your experience and specific interests,
    • your ideal post-degree trajectory,
    • why our lab/advising is a good fit.
Email template

We’re a strong fit if you enjoy

  • Organismal and ecosystem resilience
  • Field experiments + quantitative modeling
  • Decision-relevant restoration and recovery
  • Collaborative, interdisciplinary science

Mentoring Style

Commitment

Graduate mentorship is a serious commitment. Expect regular, realistic guidance on experimental design, fieldwork, analysis, and communication.

Expectations

We value independence, rigor, resilience, curiosity, creativity, and collegiality. Feedback is essential; community engagement is expected.

First-year arc

We typically co-lead an initial project from idea to publication to build shared foundations and momentum.

Growing independence

Students develop and own their ideas. Mentorship shifts from close collaboration to scaffolding and strategic feedback.

Funding

Support can combine university fellowships, teaching assistantships, external fellowships, and research grants. Explore these resources:

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP) EEMB at UCSB IGPMS (Marine Science)

Location

We are in the Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology (EEMB) at UC Santa Barbara, collaborating closely with the Marine Science Institute (IGPMS) and the Santa Barbara Coastal LTER. After an initial video conversation, strong fits are welcome to visit.

Address

Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9620

What makes a strong inquiry?
Specific questions, brief background on skills/experience, a sentence on career direction, and why our lab is the right fit.
Do I need prior coral or kelp experience?
Not required. We value careful fieldwork, quantitative rigor, and the ability to collaborate across methods and systems.
Can I propose my own project?
Yes. Early collaboration builds shared foundations; long-term projects are student-led with growing independence.
Email Adrian Meet the team Publications